Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez clarifies his talk with Tate Forcier
Rich Rodriguez has a different interpretation of the “argument” quarterback Tate Forcier said he had with his coach last week.
“I brought Tate in the office the other day and brought out my Webster’s dictionary and explained the difference between an argument and a lecture,” Rodriguez said. “And showed him exactly, said this was a lecture, not an argument. Sometimes we have lectures and sometimes we have conversations. In that case it was a lecture about his academics.”
Forcier said after Michigan’s loss to Wisconsin last week that he and Rodriguez “got into a little bit of an argument” over a missed study hall and practice.
Forcier said he was surprised when he started against the Badgers because Denard Robinson “took a lot of reps throughout the week.”
Rodriguez said Forcier and Robinson split first-team reps during the week - with Robinson taking more than usual - but “nobody was declared as the starter … until closer to game time.”
“The idea that he didn’t take any reps at all with the first team and it was a total surprise to him to start is completely false,” Rodriguez said. “They took an equal number.”
Rodriguez said Robinson wasn’t shaken by not getting the start at quarterback. He did start at running back, alongside Forcier.
“I think our players know not to listen to anything out there,” Rodriguez said. “Not that anything you all write would be untrue, but that being said I think they know that we’re going to let them know what’s going on and if there’s anything that they need to know about their performance or what they need to do to be a starter or be in there, I’ll let them know that.”
So who starts Saturday against ninth-ranked Ohio State?
“Tate more than likely,” Rodriguez said. “But it’s still only Wednesday. We’ll wait until Saturday. But they’re both going to play.”
More practice notes
• Rodriguez on his team's intensity during practice this week: "Really good as you can expect. If you can’t get fired up to prepare and focus for this game I think there’s something wrong with you on both teams. And our guys, I know we had a very good meeting on Monday, they’re very, very focused. Yesterday was a good practice, and we’ve got a couple more days of keeping their focus."
• Linebacker Brandon Smith started as part of the 4-4 defense Michigan unveiled against Wisconsin last week. Rodriguez wouldn't say Wednesday whether Smith or safety Mike Williams will start against OSU.
"We're still looking at scheme wise what the best scenario is and they do some multiple things offensively," Rodriguez said. "But it'll probably be a combination of both Brandon and Mike Williams."
• Ohio State coach Jim Tressel on what he expects from Michigan's defense earlier this week: “Most defenses deploy based upon what the offensive grouping happens to be. We’re kind of a multiple grouping. ... They’ll deploy accordingly."
• Former Michigan assistant Jerry Hanlon gave Rodriguez a letter Wednesday addressed to the entire team about Saturday's game.
"The basic theme is something that we all preach as coaches, what a privilege it is to play for the University of Michigan and how much pride you have wearing the winged helmet and running out of the tunnel," Rodriguez said. "And this week in particular with the Ohio State game, how much more special it should be for you. And then some other colorful things he adds in there. It’s really good."
Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
Comments
Danny
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 11:21 p.m.
RR deserves our support and loyalty as long as he is the head coach!! Get Pryor!!! Every play!!!! Sick-em!!!!! GO BLUE ALWAYS
GoblueinNE_PA
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 10:32 p.m.
What has RR done to deserve this undying loyalty?
Danny
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 6:52 p.m.
48 to 10. Spotting us 38 points. I'll take that bet! More like 35 to 24??? GO BLUE ALWAYS
Man in the Mirror
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 3:34 p.m.
Sumbody lyin.......
newe82
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 12:37 p.m.
I expect Michigan to keep it close through the first half on Saturday. They may even be leading going into the second half, but the collapse will come as it always does. The adrenaline will wear off and OSU will slowly build a three or four touchdown lead. The worst case scenario is that Michigan gets blown out from the opening kickoff. If that happens, it will be clear the players don't want to play for RR. The season will be over on Saturday and we can focus on the basketball team. OSU 48 Michigan 10.
FredlJ
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 9:44 a.m.
1) Our U of M is a joke, 2) I (we) are jealous of OSU, 3) What, 6 BCS games in a row, Tressel is 7-1 against us, 4) U of M is down with Nebraska and UCLA as programs living in the past, 5) Rich Rod has made us a national punch line, 6) Who can blame Mallet and Boren?, 7) Mallet will be in the NFL, 8) Boren is going to the Rose Bowl, 9) Recruiting, "Come to U of M, lose to OSU every year, help the NCAA investigation, watch bowl games on TV.
theuniverse
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 8:32 a.m.
Michigan's institutional arrogance will ensure that RR stays around for a while. Just reading the "desparation" inherent in some of the "real fan" comments simply underscores the delusion going on that he will miraculously pull it together. Regardless of how many wins he may achieve in the future, RR will still be RR. Michigan has become the laughingstock of college football and will remain so, as long as institutional arrogance reigns in Ann Arbor. Mary Sue Coleman was just named by Time magazine as the #3 university president in the nation, apparently based on her ability to raise money. She should pass the hat for RR. I am sure he will land on his feet somewhere else. Notre Dame may be looking for a new coach---maybe Mary Sue could trade RR for Charlie and bring even more arrogance to the UM family?
vi4mi4
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 8:08 a.m.
i hear you Michiamaniac, i AM rooting for r.r. to win, i'm jus' sayin'... Ban The Red Wristband! Go Blue! v
Michiganiac
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 7:52 a.m.
Do any of you realy think Bo would last in overly pc overly publasized times? you peolpe would be rippin him apart.Talkin about how he wasn't a michigan man and how he did understand our program cause he was from ohio state.talk bad about his tirates and the way he yelled at his players.you people make me sick with your double standers if loyd would of had any assistance worth a crap maybe they would be head coach but he didn't, so they arn't get over it. Cause the way i see it if your taring sown the coach who ever it is your tairing down the team. AND WHAT KINDA MICHIGAN FAN DOES THAT MAKE U?
azwolverine
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 7:47 a.m.
canabian, Funny...because it's so true.
friend12
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 7:45 a.m.
If UM gets blown out Saturday, what next? RR will as usual blame the players. Offense was much better this year mainly because they had a more versatile QB. Defense hasn't changed at all. New coach, but, same defensive. Added intensity that the new defensive coach supposedly brings to UM is great, but, doesn't make up for one of the worse defensive schemes in the country. That is all RR. I wouldn't expect anything better in future unless RR is willing to change is basic philosophy in coaching. His defense was a major issue at his previous schools and I can't see him changing any time soon. He has also brought an NCAA investigation to the school. It may be due to sour grapes by several players and parents, but, it is his responsibility to prevent these things. The appropriate records not be kept is his responsibly and could be an indication that allegations are true. If OSU blows us out, it may be time for another change.
Detroitrocks
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 7:33 a.m.
I remember the headline back in the day - "Bo clarifies his talk with.....". This guy is such a total embarrassment.
Michiganiac
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 7:03 a.m.
mental calpsas are not coaching thayare youth.player play the guy players lose and win games. all coaches do is put u in a position to win. its up to the players on the field to make the plays
vi4mi4
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 6:42 a.m.
...this is what happens when you make a mockery of the Maize N Blue colors by leading the team wearing a red wristband... justin borens' halloween costume>>> http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ZhDo_PzzqU4/SREzDgap2pI/AAAAAAAAAd8/0c1_suVIAks/s400/ept_sports_ncaaf_experts-562381453-1225841144.jpg Ban The Red Wristband! Go Blue! v
XTR
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 2:02 a.m.
Rich Rod has his crude ways of conducting things. The record of 5 wins is okay for a second year coach as long as they play with gusto and keeps on improving like the losses to MSU and Iowa. Playing below their capabilities like they did in the losses with Illinois, Purdue and Wisconsin is really a sure sign that there are deep mental lapses that is brought about by coaching. C'mon, those players at this team are not totally young and inexperienced, you have seasoned seniors in the team. There are also blue chip recruits and these players can end up with.500 in league play instead of a one win. There is clearly a deep coaching problem where the team plays less than their talent. Is RR's crude ways causing such problems? In two years, the team shows no signs of improving and on the verge of being out of control. A third year maybe of the same collapse should sent RR out of UM.
Canabian
Thu, Nov 19, 2009 : 1 a.m.
What I wouldn't give to read a thread without finding posts where some people are more determined to let everyone know that they are better fans than anyone else......fine you win. You have impressed complete strangers whom you will never meet, I hope you get a nice trophy out of it.
MichKing
Wed, Nov 18, 2009 : 11:18 p.m.
You two will still be allowed to hop back on the bandwagon in a year or two..and also pretend like you were always fans. Who cares if Tate leaves. Is he a National championship QB? Really? He is not even Ryan Mallet. I am not sure if RR turns this around in time. I am not sure who will be QB in 2010. I am sure that unlike everyone else that posts here, I do not like to know my team from a school that I graduated from will go 8-4. These last two seasons have been the worst....but I can accept it to hope for a future team that contends every year, takes chances, and never accepts average. RR has proven he can do that with time.
Blueman Rick
Wed, Nov 18, 2009 : 10:38 p.m.
I'm no Edgar Cayce but...following the Penn St. debacle, I wrote that I did not expect UM to win another game this season and that Tate Forcier will in all likelihood transfer to another school with a decent head coach.